with the underwater world in a way that promotes conservation . Three
“ I LOVE THE FACT THAT WE WERE AT THE VERY BEGINNING . IT IS GREAT TO BE ABLE TO SAY THAT WE HAD A HAND IN HELPING TO SET IT UP , ESPECIALLY AS ATLAS IS THE BIGGEST UNDERWATER SCULPTURE IN THE WORLD .”
artists – Bahamian icons Willicey Tynes and Andret John in conjunction with internationally renowned Jason deCaires Taylor – collaborated to create the first sculptures installed in the underwater garden – an attraction that has already drawn hundreds of visitors .
January temperatures to map out the underwater area . Each team had a measuring tape and used underwater slates to record the findings and make note of any existing coral within the 100 square meter area . “ It sounds easy but it was really difficult , especially for me as a new diver , because we had to be really buoyant above the coral ,” said Miss Monro . “ I love the fact that we were there at the very beginning . It is great to
be able to say that we had a hand in helping to set it up , especially as Atlas ( pictured here ) is the biggest underwater sculpture in the world ,” Miss Monro enthusiastically noted .
Conservationists and artists used the students ’ findings to help determine the correct size and placement of the sculptures so that they would not disturb coral that was already growing . The mapping was also crucial because the sculptures needed to be placed near enough to existing coral formations to ensure that sea life would naturally begin to move into the new environment . Going forward , students will also
BREEF secured the initial seed funding for the project from the Global Environment Facility , part of the United Nations Environment Program . The goal is to take a novel approach to draw attention to critical threats to reefs , including pollution , climate change , overfishing and habitat destruction . Numerous other generous individuals and organizations have assisted to get the sculpture garden into the water through direct financial contributions and in-kind support . BREEF intends for this project to help drive important marine conservation objectives , including new coral legislation , reduced pollution , and the establishment of Marine Protected Areas . Research and education programs at the site engage students in helping document how the environment changes over time and through human interactions with the natural world .
LCIS students have been participants in many BREEF programs over the years and were involved with the planning of the underwater sculpture garden since its inception . In early 2014 , Mrs . Mizell , Mr . David Mindorff , Mr . Sam Nelson and Miss Flora Monro – along with several LCIS students – braved the chilly
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